Page Type: REFERENCE

This is a summary of operational differences when using the Uniden SDS-200 model scanner

1) DATA CABLES

The RCX/2 connection box should be used, and connections must be established on both the front and back ports. The back port connection happens automatically when the RCX/2 unit is mounted on the scanner; the front port connection is via a USB cable from the RCX/2 box, and must be connected separately.

(RCX/2 is a version of the RCX box that includes an extra cable for connecting to the scanner front panel.)


2) SD CARD WARNING MESSAGES

Windows will periodically display a warning box, offering to fix possible errors on the scanner's SD card. No action should be taken (at least when Rangecast software is running.) [img-fixdrive]

This warning likely occurs because the scanner abruptly disconnects the SD card from Windows after a timeout period, when software triggers SD card access via the scanner's "MSM" feature. Abrupt disconnection like this, without going through a "safely remove device" process, can result in anomalies. However, as this seems unavoidable, it is allowed to happen.

If ever electing to let Windows fix the SD card, do it with Rangecast software stopped, and by manually placing the scanner in Mass Storage Mode. Under NO circumstances should a fix be attempted when Rangecast software triggers SD card access, because the scanner will forcibly break the connection to Windows after a timeout period, and you absolutely do not want Windows to be writing to the SD card when that happens.


3) FIRST CONNECTION

When first accessing the scanner via Rangecast Configuration from a specific PC, and saving a Rangecast ID to the scanner, there is a possibility that Windows may be too slow in establishing a connection to the scanner (as it is learning about the device and automatically selecting drivers.)

You may encounter this situation when pressing SAVE on the Rangecast Configuration form. When the Rangecast software polls the hardware afterwards, and displays the observed results, look to the right of the scanner ID. If you see a field that begins with a capital H and then a number, this is an indication that the SAVE operation was not fully successful.

In this event, press SAVE again, and see if you get different results. (It is likely to work the second time, as Windows will already know about the hardware.)


4) UNIDEN DRIVER SIDE-EFFECTS

The Rangecast software does NOT need the Uniden driver for the SDS-200 scanner, and we do not recommend installing this driver.

If the driver IS installed, there is a very small possibility of a minor error during operation. (This is a minor issue, and should not discourage a user from installing the Uniden driver, if there is a reason to do so.)

Specifically: if (a) the uniden driver installed, (b) there is a "radio missing" condition reported from any sender, and (c) a SDS-200 is connected and working from the same PC -- then, while the "radio missing" sender is scanning COM ports in search of scanner hardware, there is a slight chance that this port scan could interfere with activity on the SDS-200 (such as reception, or audio port find.) This may produce warnings or errors, or anomalous behavior, but it is a temporary condition that should go away after some minutes.


5) BRIEF FLASH OF "RADIO MISSING"

Right after the SDS-200 completes initialization (when the Rangecast software is launched) or after reprogramming, the sender may display a red error box with the text "RADIO MISSING" for a brief interval (usually less than one second). This is because the data connection with the scanner is interrupted while the scanner is placed in Mass Storage Mode for operations with the SD card, and the error message is shown until the data connection is re-established. No action is needed.


6) SOFTWARE VERSION

The earliest version of the Rangecast sender software supporting the SDS-200 is v190220a. If using an earlier version, update the software.


7) CONFIGURATION SCREEN

When pressing SAVE on the configuration screen, for each SDS-200 attached to the PC, the SAVE process will take an extra 1 minute. The SD card for each SDS-200 scanner is accessed in sequence. Therefore, when (for example) saving on a PC with four SDS-200s, the SAVE process will take an extra 4 minutes.

INDEX

• [FAQ-1273] INDEX - Radio Receiver Site (feed site) - Scanner Radios